According to Jonathan Wheatley, who has been the team boss at Stake F1/Sauber since April, it is impossible to simply copy the successful approach of Red Bull to his new team. “You can rarely copy a complete formula from one team to another, it just doesn’t work,” the Brit explains.
However, Wheatley, who worked as a sports director at Red Bull for nineteen years, brings valuable experience and a clear philosophy to Hinwil. His task: to guide the transition from Sauber to the factory team Audi in 2026. “What you can take with you is a philosophy, including a cultural one. That’s what I’m trying to bring in here. We are a young team, many people only started at the beginning of this year. It’s a process of growing together and building momentum,” Wheatley tells Sky Sports F1.
‘Recharged’
Since his appointment, Wheatley says he feels ‘recharged’. He has already experienced some sporting highlights, including Nico Hülkenberg‘s first podium at the British Grand Prix. However, the team boss points out that the foundation still needs to be built. “We are still at the beginning of the journey and we need to realize that. We are starting from a modest position, but steps are being taken.”
Wheatley does not see the pressure that comes with the switch to Audi as a burden. “Pressure is part of this job, it has been for thirty years for me. I turn it into something positive. Just mentioning the ‘Audi Formula 1 project’ sounds like something incredible to be a part of.”
Stake F1/Sauber is currently seventh in the constructors’ championship with 51 points, just one point behind Aston Martin.
